1
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Arvelo DM, Comer J, Schmit J, Garcia R. Interfacial Water Is Separated from a Hydrophobic Silica Surface by a Gap of 1.2 nm. ACS NANO 2024; 18:18683-18692. [PMID: 38973716 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c05689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
The interaction of liquid water with hydrophobic surfaces is ubiquitous in life and technology. Yet, the molecular structure of interfacial liquid water on these surfaces is not known. By using a 3D atomic force microscope, we characterize with angstrom resolution the structure of interfacial liquid water on hydrophobic and hydrophilic silica surfaces. The combination of 3D AFM images and molecular dynamics simulations reveals that next to a hydrophobic silica surface, there is a 1.2 nm region characterized by a very low density of water. In contrast, the 3D AFM images obtained of a hydrophilic silica surface reveal the presence of hydration layers next to the surface. The gap observed on hydrophobic silica surfaces is filled with two-to-three layers of straight-chain alkanes. We developed a 2D Ising model that explains the formation of a continuous hydrocarbon layer on hydrophobic silica surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M Arvelo
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Jeffrey Comer
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, United States
| | - Jeremy Schmit
- Department of Physics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, United States
| | - Ricardo Garcia
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, Madrid 28049, Spain
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2
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Liu HQ, Wang YL, Li B. Molecular insights into the nanoconfinement effect on the structure and dynamics of ionic liquids in carbon nanotubes. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:14691-14704. [PMID: 38716569 DOI: 10.1039/d4cp00695j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
The properties and applications of ionic liquids (ILs) have been widely investigated when they are confined within nanochannels such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The confined ILs exhibit very different properties from their bulk state due to a nanoconfinement effect, which plays an important role in the performances of devices with ILs. In this work, we studied the effect of the charge carried by CNTs on confined ILs inside CNTs using molecular dynamics simulations. In charged CNTs, cations and anions are distributed separately along the radial directions, and the transition of orientations of the cations between parallel and vertical to CNTs occurs by changing the charge state of CNTs. The number of hydrogen bonds (HBs) formed by the confined ILs can be reduced by switching the surface charge of CNTs from positive to negative due to the contact modes between cations and anions as well as the distributions of cations in CNTs. The diffusivities along and vertical to the axial direction of CNTs were found to be non-monotonic owing to the "trade-off" effect from both ion pair interlocking and anchoring ILs on the CNT walls. Additionally, the region-dependent dynamics of ILs were also related to the intermolecular interactions in different regions of CNTs. Furthermore, the vibrational modes of ILs were obviously influenced in highly charged CNTs as determined by calculating the density of vibrational states, which demonstrated the transitions in the structure and interactions. The density distributions changed from single layer to double layers when increasing the pore size of neutral CNTs while the hydrogen bonds exhibited a non-monotonic tendency versus the pore sizes. Our results might help to understand the structure and dynamics of confined ILs as well as aid optimizing the performance of devices with ILs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Qian Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China.
| | - Yong-Lei Wang
- National Supercomputer Centre (NSC), Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Bin Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China.
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3
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Wang J, Li H, Warr GG, Chen F, Atkin R. Nanostructure and Dynamics of Aprotic Ionic Liquids at Graphite Electrodes as a Function of Potential. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2311353. [PMID: 38573945 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202311353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Atomic force microscope (AFM) videos reveal the near-surface nanostructure and dynamics of the ionic liquids (ILs) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide (BMIM DCA) and 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide (HMIM DCA) above highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) electrodes as a function of surface potential. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations reveal the molecular-level composition of the nanostructures. In combination, AFM and MD show that the near-surface aggregates form via solvophobic association of the cation alkyl chains at the electrode interface. The diffusion coefficients of interfacial nanostructures are ≈0.01 nm2 s-1 and vary with the cation alkyl chain length and the surface potential. For each IL, the nanostructure diffusion coefficients are similar at open-circuit potential (OCP) and OCP + 1V, but BMIM DCA moves about twice as fast as HMIM DCA. At negative potentials, the diffusion coefficient decreases for BMIM DCA and increases for HMIM DCA. When the surface potential is switched from negative to positive, a sudden change in the direction of the nanostructure motion is observed for both BMIM DCA and HMIM DCA. No transient dynamics are noted following other potential jumps. This study provides a new fundamental understanding regarding the dynamics of electrochemically stable ILs at electrodes vital for the rational development of IL-based electrochemical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Wang
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Hua Li
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Gregory G Warr
- School of Chemistry and Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Fangfang Chen
- Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Rob Atkin
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
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4
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Zhang Z, Said S, Lovett AJ, Jervis R, Shearing PR, Brett DJL, Miller TS. The Influence of Cathode Degradation Products on the Anode Interface in Lithium-Ion Batteries. ACS NANO 2024; 18:9389-9402. [PMID: 38507591 PMCID: PMC10993644 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c10208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Degradation of cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries results in the presence of transition metal ions in the electrolyte, and these ions are known to play a major role in capacity fade and cell failure. Yet, while it is known that transition metal ions migrate from the metal oxide cathode and deposit on the graphite anode, their specific influence on anode reactions and structures, such as the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), is still quite poorly understood due to the complexity in studying this interface in operational cells. In this work we combine operando electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC-AFM), electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements to probe the influence of a range of transition metal ions on the morphological, mechanical, chemical, and electrical properties of the SEI. By adding representative concentrations of Ni2+, Mn2+, and Co2+ ions into a commercially relevant battery electrolyte, the impacts of each on the formation and stability of the anode interface layer is revealed; all are shown to pose a threat to battery performance and stability. Mn2+, in particular, is shown to induce a thick, soft, and unstable SEI layer, which is known to cause severe degradation of batteries, while Co2+ and Ni2+ significantly impact interfacial conductivity. When transition metal ions are mixed, SEI degradation is amplified, suggesting a synergistic effect on the cell stability. Hence, by uncovering the roles these cathode degradation products play in operational batteries, we have provided a foundation upon which strategies to mitigate or eliminate these degradation products can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Zhang
- Electrochemical
Innovation Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7JE, U.K.
- The
Faraday Institution, Quad One, Becquerel Avenue, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 ORA, U.K.
- Renewable
Energy Group, Department of Engineering, Faculty of Environment, Science
and Economy, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9FE, U.K.
| | - Samia Said
- Electrochemical
Innovation Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7JE, U.K.
| | - Adam J. Lovett
- Electrochemical
Innovation Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7JE, U.K.
- The
Faraday Institution, Quad One, Becquerel Avenue, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 ORA, U.K.
| | - Rhodri Jervis
- Electrochemical
Innovation Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7JE, U.K.
- The
Faraday Institution, Quad One, Becquerel Avenue, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 ORA, U.K.
| | - Paul R. Shearing
- Electrochemical
Innovation Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7JE, U.K.
- The
Faraday Institution, Quad One, Becquerel Avenue, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 ORA, U.K.
- Department
of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PJ, U.K.
| | - Daniel J. L. Brett
- Electrochemical
Innovation Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7JE, U.K.
- The
Faraday Institution, Quad One, Becquerel Avenue, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 ORA, U.K.
| | - Thomas S. Miller
- Electrochemical
Innovation Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7JE, U.K.
- The
Faraday Institution, Quad One, Becquerel Avenue, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 ORA, U.K.
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5
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An R, Wu N, Gao Q, Dong Y, Laaksonen A, Shah FU, Ji X, Fuchs H. Integrative studies of ionic liquid interface layers: bridging experiments, theoretical models and simulations. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2024; 9:506-535. [PMID: 38356335 DOI: 10.1039/d4nh00007b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Ionic liquids (ILs) are a class of salts existing in the liquid state below 100 °C, possessing low volatility, high thermal stability as well as many highly attractive solvent and electrochemical capabilities, etc., making them highly tunable for a great variety of applications, such as lubricants, electrolytes, and soft functional materials. In many applications, ILs are first either physi- or chemisorbed on a solid surface to successively create more functional materials. The functions of ILs at solid surfaces can differ considerably from those of bulk ILs, mainly due to distinct interfacial layers with tunable structures resulting in new ionic liquid interface layer properties and enhanced performance. Due to an almost infinite number of possible combinations among the cations and anions to form ILs, the diversity of various solid surfaces, as well as different external conditions and stimuli, a detailed molecular-level understanding of their structure-property relationship is of utmost significance for a judicious design of IL-solid interfaces with appropriate properties for task-specific applications. Many experimental techniques, such as atomic force microscopy, surface force apparatus, and so on, have been used for studying the ion structuring of the IL interface layer. Molecular Dynamics simulations have been widely used to investigate the microscopic behavior of the IL interface layer. To interpret and clarify the IL structure and dynamics as well as to predict their properties, it is always beneficial to combine both experiments and simulations as close as possible. In another theoretical model development to bridge the structure and properties of the IL interface layer with performance, thermodynamic prediction & property modeling has been demonstrated as an effective tool to add the properties and function of the studied nanomaterials. Herein, we present recent findings from applying the multiscale triangle "experiment-simulation-thermodynamic modeling" in the studies of ion structuring of ILs in the vicinity of solid surfaces, as well as how it qualitatively and quantitatively correlates to the overall ILs properties, performance, and function. We introduce the most common techniques behind "experiment-simulation-thermodynamic modeling" and how they are applied for studying the IL interface layer structuring, and we highlight the possibilities of the IL interface layer structuring in applications such as lubrication and energy storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong An
- Herbert Gleiter Institute of Nanoscience, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China.
| | - Nanhua Wu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Technology, School of Petrochemical Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
| | - Qingwei Gao
- College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Materials Protection and Advanced Materials in Electric Power, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Yihui Dong
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Aatto Laaksonen
- Energy Engineering, Division of Energy Science, Luleå University of Technology, 97187 Luleå, Sweden.
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Center of Advanced Research in Bionanoconjugates and Biopolymers, ''Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Iasi 700469, Romania
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Faiz Ullah Shah
- Chemistry of Interfaces, Luleå University of Technology, 97187 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Xiaoyan Ji
- Energy Engineering, Division of Energy Science, Luleå University of Technology, 97187 Luleå, Sweden.
| | - Harald Fuchs
- Herbert Gleiter Institute of Nanoscience, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China.
- Center for Nanotechnology (CeNTech), Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
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6
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Liu C, Xu W, Zhang L, Zhang D, Xu W, Liao X, Chen W, Cao Y, Li MC, Mei C, Zhao K. Electrochemical Hydrophobic Tri-layer Interface Rendered Mechanically Graded Solid Electrolyte Interface for Stable Zinc Metal Anode. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202318063. [PMID: 38190839 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202318063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The aqueous zinc-ion battery is promising as grid scale energy storage device, but hindered by the instable electrode/electrolyte interface. Herein, we report the lean-water ionic liquid electrolyte for aqueous zinc metal batteries. The lean-water ionic liquid electrolyte creates the hydrophobic tri-layer interface assembled by first two layers of hydrophobic OTF- and EMIM+ and third layer of loosely attached water, beyond the classical Gouy-Chapman-Stern theory based electrochemical double layer. By taking advantage of the hydrophobic tri-layer interface, the lean-water ionic liquid electrolyte enables a wide electrochemical working window (2.93 V) with relatively high zinc ion conductivity (17.3 mS/cm). Furthermore, the anion crowding interface facilitates the OTF- decomposition chemistry to create the mechanically graded solid electrolyte interface layer to simultaneously suppress the dendrite formation and maintain the mechanical stability. In this way, the lean-water based ionic liquid electrolyte realizes the ultralong cyclability of over 10000 cycles at 20 A/g and at practical condition of N/P ratio of 1.5, the cumulated areal capacity reach 1.8 Ah/cm2 , which outperforms the state-of-the-art zinc metal battery performance. Our work highlights the importance of the stable electrode/electrolyte interface stability, which would be practical for building high energy grid scale zinc-ion battery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaozheng Liu
- Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Wangwang Xu
- Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Department, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA-70803, USA
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Daotong Zhang
- Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Weina Xu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Guangdong, 523808, China
| | - Xiaobin Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Weimin Chen
- Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Yizhong Cao
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Mei-Chun Li
- Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Changtong Mei
- Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Kangning Zhao
- Laboratory of Advanced Separations (LAS), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Sion, 1950, Lausanne, Switzerland
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7
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Li H, Wang J, Warr GG, Atkin R. Effect of Potential on the Nanostructure Dynamics of Ethylammonium Nitrate at a Graphite Electrode. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2306011. [PMID: 37806754 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Video-rate atomic force microscopy (AFM) is used to study the near-surface nanostructure dynamics of the ionic liquid ethylammonium nitrate (EAN) at a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) electrode as a function of potential in real-time for the first time. The effects of varying the surface potential and adding 10 wt% water on the nanostructure diffusion coefficient are probed. For both EAN and the 90 wt% EAN-water mixture, disk-like features ≈9 nm in diameter and 1 nm in height form above the Stern layer at all potentials. The nanostructure diffusion coefficient increases with potential (from OCP -0.5 V to OCP +0.5 V) and with added water. Nanostructure dynamics depends on both the magnitude and direction of the potential change. Upon switching the potential from OCP -0.5 V to OCP +0.5 V, a substantial increase in the diffusion coefficients is observed, likely due to the absence of solvophobic interactions between the nitrate (NO3 - ) anions and the ethylammonium (EA+ ) cations in the near-surface region. When the potential is reversed, EA+ is attracted to the Stern layer to replace NO3 - , but its movement is hindered by solvophobic attractions. The outcomes will aid applications, including electrochemical devices, catalysts, and lubricants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Li
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Jianan Wang
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Gregory G Warr
- School of Chemistry and Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Rob Atkin
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
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8
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Nie P, Jiang X, Zheng X, Guan D. Manipulation of Contact Angle Hysteresis at Electrified Ionic Liquid-Solid Interfaces. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2024; 132:044002. [PMID: 38335359 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.132.044002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) are intriguing fluids that have drawn much attention in applications ranging from tribology and catalysis to energy storage. With strong electrostatic interaction between ions, their interfacial behaviors can be modulated by controlling energetics of the electrified interface. In this work, we report atomic-force-microscope measurements of contact angle hysteresis (CAH) of a circular contact line formed on a micron-sized fiber, which is coated with a thin layer of conductive film and intersects an RTIL-air interface. The measured CAH shows a distinct change by increasing the voltage U applied on the fiber surface. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to illustrate variations of the solidlike layer in the RTIL adsorbed at the electrified interface. The integrated experiments and computations demonstrate a new mechanism to manipulate the CAH by rearrangement of interfacial layers of RTILs induced by the surface energetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xikai Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Xu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Dongshi Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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9
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Li S, Pilkington GA, Mehler F, Hammond OS, Boudier A, Vorobiev A, Glavatskih S, Rutland MW. Tuneable interphase transitions in ionic liquid/carrier systems via voltage control. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 652:1240-1249. [PMID: 37657223 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.08.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The structure and interaction of ionic liquids (ILs) influence their interfacial composition, and their arrangement (i.e., electric double-layer (EDL) structure), can be controlled by an electric field. Here, we employed a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) to study the electrical response of two non-halogenated phosphonium orthoborate ILs, dissolved in a polar solvent at the interface. The response is influenced by the applied voltage, the structure of the ions, and the solvent polarizability. One IL showed anomalous electro-responsivity, suggesting a self-assembly bilayer structure of the IL cation at the gold interface, which transitions to a typical EDL structure at higher positive potential. Neutron reflectivity (NR) confirmed this interfacial structuring and compositional changes at the electrified gold surface. A cation-dominated self-assembly structure is observed for negative and neutral voltages, which abruptly transitions to an anion-rich interfacial layer at positive voltages. An interphase transition explains the electro-responsive behaviour of self-assembling IL/carrier systems, pertinent for ILs in advanced tribological and electrochemical contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sichao Li
- Division of Surface and Corrosion Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Georgia A Pilkington
- Division of Surface and Corrosion Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Filip Mehler
- Division of Surface and Corrosion Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Oliver S Hammond
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, SE-114 18 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus C 8000 Denmark
| | - Anthony Boudier
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, SE-114 18 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexei Vorobiev
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Division of Materials Physics, Uppsala University, SE-751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sergei Glavatskih
- System and Component Design, Department of Engineering Design, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden; School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Department of Electromechanical, Systems and Metal Engineering, Ghent University, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mark W Rutland
- Division of Surface and Corrosion Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden; School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Bioeconomy and Health Department Materials and Surface Design, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, SE-114 28 Stockholm, Sweden; Laboratoire de Tribologie et Dynamique des Systèmes, École Centrale de Lyon, 69134 Ecully Cedex, France.
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10
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Bou Tannous L, Simoes Santos M, Gong Z, Haumesser PH, Benayad A, Padua AAH, Steinberger A. Effect of Surface Chemistry on the Electrical Double Layer in a Long-Chain Ionic Liquid. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:16785-16796. [PMID: 37970757 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c02123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Room temperature ionic liquids (ILs) can create a strong accumulation of charges at solid interfaces by forming a very thin and dense electrical double layer (EDL). The structure of this EDL has important consequences in numerous applications involving ILs, for example, in supercapacitors, sensors, and lubricants, by impacting the interfacial capacitance, the charge carrier density of semiconductors, as well as the frictional properties of the interfaces. We have studied the interfacial structure of a long chain imidazolium-based IL (1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide) on several substrates: mica, silica, silicon, and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), using atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We have observed 3 types of interfacial structures for the same IL, depending on the chemistry of the substrate and the water content, showing that the EDL structure is not an intrinsic property of the IL. We evidenced that at a low water content, neutral and apolar (thus hydrophobic) substrates promote a thin layer structure, where the ions are oriented parallel to the substrate and cations and anions are mixed in each layer. In contrast, a strongly charged (thus hydrophilic) substrate yields an extended structuration into several bilayers, while a heterogeneous layering with loose bilayer regions was observed on an intermediate polar and weakly charged substrate and on an apolar one at a high bulk water content. In the latter case, water contamination favors the formation of bilayer patches by promoting the segregation of the long chain IL into polar and apolar domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Bou Tannous
- Laboratoire de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS, 69364 Lyon, France
- CEA, Leti, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | | | - Zheng Gong
- Laboratoire de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS, 69364 Lyon, France
| | | | - Anass Benayad
- CEA, Liten, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Agilio A H Padua
- Laboratoire de Chimie, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, CNRS, 69364 Lyon, France
| | - Audrey Steinberger
- Univ Lyon, ENS de Lyon, CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique, F-69342 Lyon, France
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11
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Garcia R. Interfacial Liquid Water on Graphite, Graphene, and 2D Materials. ACS NANO 2023; 17:51-69. [PMID: 36507725 PMCID: PMC10664075 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c10215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The optical, electronic, and mechanical properties of graphite, few-layer, and two-dimensional (2D) materials have prompted a considerable number of applications. Biosensing, energy storage, and water desalination illustrate applications that require a molecular-scale understanding of the interfacial water structure on 2D materials. This review introduces the most recent experimental and theoretical advances on the structure of interfacial liquid water on graphite-like and 2D materials surfaces. On pristine conditions, atomic-scale resolution experiments revealed the existence of 1-3 hydration layers. Those layers were separated by ∼0.3 nm. The experimental data were supported by molecular dynamics simulations. However, under standard working conditions, atomic-scale resolution experiments revealed the presence of 2-3 hydrocarbon layers. Those layers were separated by ∼0.5 nm. Linear alkanes were the dominant molecular specie within the hydrocarbon layers. Paradoxically, the interface of an aged 2D material surface immersed in water does not have water molecules on its vicinity. Free-energy considerations favored the replacement of water by alkanes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Garcia
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales
de Madrid, CSIC, c/Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 3, 28049Madrid, Spain
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12
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Li H, Wang J, Warr GG, Atkin R. Extremely slow dynamics of ionic liquid self-assembled nanostructures near a solid surface. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 630:658-665. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.10.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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13
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Yamagishi Y, Kominami H, Kobayashi K, Nomura Y, Igaki E, Yamada H. Molecular-Resolution Imaging of Interfacial Solvation of Electrolytes for Lithium-Ion Batteries by Frequency Modulation Atomic Force Microscopy. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:9907-9913. [PMID: 36473195 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c03325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Solvation structures formed by ions and solvent molecules at solid/electrolyte interfaces affect the energy storage performance of electrochemical devices, such as lithium-ion batteries. In this study, the molecular-scale solvation structures of an electrolyte, a solution of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) in propylene carbonate (PC) at the electrolyte-mica interface, were measured using frequency-modulation atomic force microscopy (FM-AFM). The spacing of the characteristic force oscillation in the force versus distance curves increased with increasing ion concentration, suggesting an increase in the effective size of molecules at the interface. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the effective size of molecular assemblies, namely, solvated ions formed at the interface, increased with increasing ion concentrations, which was consistent with the experimental results. Knowledge of molecular-scale structures of solid/electrolyte interfaces obtained by a combination of FM-AFM and molecular dynamics simulations is important in the design of electrolytes for future energy devices and in improving their properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Yamagishi
- Applied Materials Technology Center, Panasonic Holdings Corporation, 3-1-1 Yagumo-nakamachi, Moriguchi, Osaka 570-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kominami
- Department of Electronic Science and Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Kei Kobayashi
- Department of Electronic Science and Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Yuki Nomura
- Applied Materials Technology Center, Panasonic Holdings Corporation, 3-1-1 Yagumo-nakamachi, Moriguchi, Osaka 570-8501, Japan
| | - Emiko Igaki
- Applied Materials Technology Center, Panasonic Holdings Corporation, 3-1-1 Yagumo-nakamachi, Moriguchi, Osaka 570-8501, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Yamada
- Department of Electronic Science and Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
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14
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Kahle ER, Patel N, Sreenivasappa HB, Marcolongo MS, Han L. Targeting cell-matrix interface mechanobiology by integrating AFM with fluorescence microscopy. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 176:67-81. [PMID: 36055517 PMCID: PMC9691605 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mechanosensing at the interface of a cell and its surrounding microenvironment is an essential driving force of physiological processes. Understanding molecular activities at the cell-matrix interface has the potential to provide novel targets for improving tissue regeneration and early disease intervention. In the past few decades, the advancement of atomic force microscopy (AFM) has offered a unique platform for probing mechanobiology at this crucial microdomain. In this review, we describe key advances under this topic through the use of an integrated system of AFM (as a biomechanical testing tool) with complementary immunofluorescence (IF) imaging (as an in situ navigation system). We first describe the body of work investigating the micromechanics of the pericellular matrix (PCM), the immediate cell micro-niche, in healthy, diseased, and genetically modified tissues, with a focus on articular cartilage. We then summarize the key findings in understanding cellular biomechanics and mechanotransduction, in which, molecular mechanisms governing transmembrane ion channel-mediated mechanosensing, cytoskeleton remodeling, and nucleus remodeling have been studied in various cell and tissue types. Lastly, we provide an overview of major technical advances that have enabled more in-depth studies of mechanobiology, including the integration of AFM with a side-view microscope, multiple optomicroscopy, a fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) module, and a tensile stretching device. The innovations described here have contributed greatly to advancing the fundamental knowledge of extracellular matrix biomechanics and cell mechanobiology for improved understanding, detection, and intervention of various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Kahle
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Neil Patel
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Harini B Sreenivasappa
- Cell Imaging Center, Office of Research and Innovation, Drexel University, PA 19104, United States
| | - Michele S Marcolongo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, United States
| | - Lin Han
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
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15
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Bonagiri LKS, Panse KS, Zhou S, Wu H, Aluru NR, Zhang Y. Real-Space Charge Density Profiling of Electrode-Electrolyte Interfaces with Angstrom Depth Resolution. ACS NANO 2022; 16:19594-19604. [PMID: 36351178 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c10819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation and depletion of charges at electrode-electrolyte interfaces is crucial for all types of electrochemical processes. However, the spatial profile of such interfacial charges remains largely elusive. Here we develop charge profiling three-dimensional (3D) atomic force microscopy (CP-3D-AFM) to experimentally quantify the real-space charge distribution of the electrode surface and electric double layers (EDLs) with angstrom depth resolution. We first measure the 3D force maps at different electrode potentials using our recently developed electrochemical 3D-AFM. Through statistical analysis, peak deconvolution, and electrostatic calculations, we derive the depth profile of the local charge density. We perform such charge profiling for two types of emergent electrolytes, ionic liquids, and highly concentrated aqueous solutions, observe pronounced sub-nanometer charge variations, and find the integrated charge densities to agree with those derived from macroscopic electrochemical measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalith Krishna Samanth Bonagiri
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois61801, United States
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois61801, United States
| | - Kaustubh S Panse
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois61801, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois61801, United States
| | - Shan Zhou
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois61801, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois61801, United States
| | - Haiyi Wu
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering and Oden Institute for Computational Engineering & Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas78712, United States
| | - Narayana R Aluru
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering and Oden Institute for Computational Engineering & Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas78712, United States
| | - Yingjie Zhang
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois61801, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois61801, United States
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16
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Panse KS, Wu H, Zhou S, Zhao F, Aluru NR, Zhang Y. Innermost Ion Association Configuration Is a Key Structural Descriptor of Ionic Liquids at Electrified Interfaces. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:9464-9472. [PMID: 36198103 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c02768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The structure of electric double layers (EDLs) is crucial for all types of electrochemical processes. While in dilute solutions EDL structure can be approximately treated within the Gouy-Chapman-Stern regime, in highly ionic electrolytes the description of EDL has been largely elusive. Here we study the EDL structure of an ionic liquid on a series of crystalline electrodes. Through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we observe strong intermolecular interaction among cations and anions and propose that the cation-anion association structure at the innermost layer is a key descriptor of the EDL. Using our recently developed electrochemical 3D atomic force microscopy (EC-3D-AFM) technique, we confirm the theoretical prediction and further find that the width of the first EDL is an experimental gauge of the ion association structure in that layer. We expect such ion association descriptors to be broadly applicable to a large range of highly ionic electrolytes on various electrode surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaustubh S Panse
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois61801, United States
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois61801, United States
| | - Haiyi Wu
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas78712, United States
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering & Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas78712, United States
| | - Shan Zhou
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois61801, United States
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois61801, United States
| | - Fujia Zhao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois61801, United States
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois61801, United States
| | - Narayana R Aluru
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas78712, United States
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering & Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas78712, United States
| | - Yingjie Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois61801, United States
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois61801, United States
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17
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Arvelo DM, Uhlig MR, Comer J, García R. Interfacial layering of hydrocarbons on pristine graphite surfaces immersed in water. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:14178-14184. [PMID: 36124993 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr04161h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Interfacial water participates in a wide range of phenomena involving graphite, graphite-like and 2D material interfaces. Recently, several high-spatial resolution experiments have questioned the existence of hydration layers on graphite, graphite-like and 2D material surfaces. Here, 3D AFM was applied to follow in real-time and with atomic-scale depth resolution the evolution of graphite-water interfaces. Pristine graphite surfaces upon immersion in water showed the presence of several hydration layers separated by a distance of 0.3 nm. Those layers were short-lived. After several minutes, the interlayer distance increased to 0.45 nm. At longer immersion times (∼50 min) we observed the formation of a third layer. An interlayer distance of 0.45 nm characterizes the layering of predominantly alkane-like hydrocarbons. Molecular dynamics calculations supported the experimental observations. The replacement of water molecules by hydrocarbons on graphite is spontaneous. It happens whenever the graphite-water volume is exposed to air.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M Arvelo
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, c/Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Manuel R Uhlig
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, c/Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Jeffrey Comer
- Nanotechnology Innovation Center of Kansas State, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, 66506, USA
| | - Ricardo García
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, c/Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
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18
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Wang P, Zhang J, Xu F, Wang J, Li J, Shen Y, Li C, Cui X, Li S. Improving electric field strength of interfacial electric double layer and cycle stability of Li-ion battery via LiCl additive. Electrochim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2022.141060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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19
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An R, Laaksonen A, Wu M, Zhu Y, Shah FU, Lu X, Ji X. Atomic force microscopy probing interactions and microstructures of ionic liquids at solid surfaces. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:11098-11128. [PMID: 35876154 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr02812c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ionic liquids (ILs) are room temperature molten salts that possess preeminent physicochemical properties and have shown great potential in many applications. However, the use of ILs in surface-dependent processes, e.g. energy storage, is hindered by the lack of a systematic understanding of the IL interfacial microstructure. ILs on the solid surface display rich ordering, arising from coulombic, van der Waals, solvophobic interactions, etc., all giving near-surface ILs distinct microstructures. Therefore, it is highly important to clarify the interactions of ILs with solid surfaces at the nanoscale to understand the microstructure and mechanism, providing quantitative structure-property relationships. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) opens a surface-sensitive way to probe the interaction force of ILs with solid surfaces in the layers from sub-nanometers to micrometers. Herein, this review showcases the recent progress of AFM in probing interactions and microstructures of ILs at solid interfaces, and the influence of IL characteristics, surface properties and external stimuli is thereafter discussed. Finally, a summary and perspectives are established, in which, the necessities of the quantification of IL-solid interactions at the molecular level, the development of in situ techniques closely coupled with AFM for probing IL-solid interfaces, and the combination of experiments and simulations are argued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong An
- Herbert Gleiter Institute of Nanoscience, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China.
| | - Aatto Laaksonen
- Energy Engineering, Division of Energy Science, Luleå University of Technology, 97187 Luleå, Sweden.
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
- Center of Advanced Research in Bionanoconjugates and Biopolymers, "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Iasi 700469, Romania
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Muqiu Wu
- Herbert Gleiter Institute of Nanoscience, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China.
| | - Yudan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Faiz Ullah Shah
- Chemistry of Interfaces, Luleå University of Technology, 97187 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Xiaohua Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ji
- Energy Engineering, Division of Energy Science, Luleå University of Technology, 97187 Luleå, Sweden.
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20
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Zhang W, Lu Y, Wan L, Zhou P, Xia Y, Yan S, Chen X, Zhou H, Dong H, Liu K. Engineering a passivating electric double layer for high performance lithium metal batteries. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2029. [PMID: 35440573 PMCID: PMC9018679 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29761-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In electrochemical devices, such as batteries, traditional electric double layer (EDL) theory holds that cations in the cathode/electrolyte interface will be repelled during charging, leaving a large amount of free solvents. This promotes the continuous anodic decomposition of the electrolyte, leading to a limited operation voltage and cycle life of the devices. In this work, we design a new EDL structure with adaptive and passivating properties. It is enabled by adding functional anionic additives in the electrolyte, which can selectively bind with cations and free solvents, forming unique cation-rich and branch-chain like supramolecular polymer structures with high electrochemical stability in the EDL inner layer. Due to this design, the anodic decomposition of ether-based electrolytes is significantly suppressed in the high voltage cathodes and the battery shows outstanding performances such as super-fast charging/discharging and ultra-low temperature applications, which is extremely hard in conventional electrolyte design principle. This unconventional EDL structure breaks the inherent perception of the classical EDL rearrangement mechanism and greatly improve electrochemical performances of the device. Developing an electrolyte that is compatible with both high-voltage cathodes and Li metal anodes has always been challenging. Here, the authors created a new strategy by engineering a passivating electric double layer to achieve a fast-charging and lowtemperature high voltage lithium metal batteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Wan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Pan Zhou
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingchun Xia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuaishuai Yan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxia Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Hangyu Zhou
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Dong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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21
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Jeanmairet G, Rotenberg B, Salanne M. Microscopic Simulations of Electrochemical Double-Layer Capacitors. Chem Rev 2022; 122:10860-10898. [PMID: 35389636 PMCID: PMC9227719 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Electrochemical double-layer
capacitors (EDLCs) are devices allowing
the storage or production of electricity. They function through the
adsorption of ions from an electrolyte on high-surface-area electrodes
and are characterized by short charging/discharging times and long
cycle-life compared to batteries. Microscopic simulations are now
widely used to characterize the structural, dynamical, and adsorption
properties of these devices, complementing electrochemical experiments
and in situ spectroscopic analyses. In this review,
we discuss the main families of simulation methods that have been
developed and their application to the main family of EDLCs, which
include nanoporous carbon electrodes. We focus on the adsorption of
organic ions for electricity storage applications as well as aqueous
systems in the context of blue energy harvesting and desalination.
We finally provide perspectives for further improvement of the predictive
power of simulations, in particular for future devices with complex
electrode compositions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Jeanmairet
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Physico-chimie des Électrolytes et Nanosystèmes Interfaciaux, PHENIX, F-75005 Paris, France.,Réseau sur le Stockage Electrochimique de l'Energie (RS2E), FR CNRS 3459, 80039 Amiens, France
| | - Benjamin Rotenberg
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Physico-chimie des Electrolytes et Nanosystèmes Interfaciaux, PHENIX, F-75005 Paris, France.,Réseau sur le Stockage Électrochimique de l'Énergie (RS2E), FR CNRS 3459, 80039 Amiens, France
| | - Mathieu Salanne
- Réseau sur le Stockage Electrochimique de l'Energie (RS2E), FR CNRS 3459, 80039 Amiens, France.,Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Physico-chimie des Electrolytes et Nanosystèmes Interfaciaux, PHENIX, F-75005 Paris, France.,Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France
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22
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Liu S, Tan Z, Wu J, Mao B, Yan J. Electrochemical interfaces in ionic liquids/deep eutectic solvents incorporated with water: A review. ELECTROCHEMICAL SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/elsa.202100199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian P. R. China
| | - Zhuo Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian P. R. China
| | - Jiedu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian P. R. China
| | - Bingwei Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian P. R. China
| | - Jiawei Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian P. R. China
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23
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Kim J, Zhao F, Zhou S, Panse KS, Zhang Y. Spectroscopic Investigation of the Structure of a Pyrrolidinium-Based Ionic Liquid at Electrified Interfaces. J Chem Phys 2022; 156:114701. [DOI: 10.1063/5.0080051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular structure of electric double layers (EDLs) at electrode-electrolyte interfaces is crucial for all types of electrochemical processes. Here we probe the EDL structure of an ionic liquid, 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (BMPy-TFSI), using electrochemical shell-isolated nanoparticle-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (EC-SHINERS). We extract the position and intensity of individual peaks corresponding to either intra- or inter-molecular vibrational modes, and examine their dependence on the electrode potential. The observed trends suggest that the molecular reconfiguration mechanism is distinct between cations and anions. BMPy+ is found to always adsorb on the Au electrode surface via the pyrrolidinium ring while the alkyl chains strongly change their orientation at different potentials. In contrast, TFSI- is observed to have pronounced position shifts but negligible orientation changes as we sweep the electrode potential. Despite their distinct reconfiguration mechanisms, BMPy+ and TFSI- in the EDL are likely paired together through strong intermolecular interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaehyeon Kim
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America
| | - Fujia Zhao
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America
| | - Shan Zhou
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America
| | - Kaustubh S. Panse
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America
| | - Yingjie Zhang
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America
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24
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Benaglia S, Uhlig MR, Hernández-Muñoz J, Chacón E, Tarazona P, Garcia R. Tip Charge Dependence of Three-Dimensional AFM Mapping of Concentrated Ionic Solutions. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2021; 127:196101. [PMID: 34797127 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.127.196101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A molecular scale understanding of the organization and structure of a liquid near a solid surface is currently a major challenge in surface science. It has implications across different fields from electrochemistry and energy storage to molecular biology. Three-dimensional AFM generates atomically resolved maps of solid-liquid interfaces. The imaging mechanism behind those maps is under debate, in particular, for concentrated ionic solutions. Theory predicts that the observed contrast should depend on the tip's charged state. Here, by using neutrally, negatively, and positively charged tips, we demonstrate that the 3D maps depend on the tip's polarization. A neutral tip will explore the total particle density distribution (water and ions) while a charged tip will reveal the charge density distribution. The experimental data reproduce the key findings of the theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Benaglia
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Manuel R Uhlig
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Jose Hernández-Muñoz
- Departamento de Física Teórica de la Materia Condensada, IFIMAC Condensed Matter Physics Center, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Enrique Chacón
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Pedro Tarazona
- Departamento de Física Teórica de la Materia Condensada, IFIMAC Condensed Matter Physics Center, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Ricardo Garcia
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid 28049, Spain
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25
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Karthik PE, Jothi VR, Pitchaimuthu S, Yi S, Anantharaj S. Alternating Current Techniques for a Better Understanding of Photoelectrocatalysts. ACS Catal 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.1c03783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pitchiah E. Karthik
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Vasanth Rajendiran Jothi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Sudhagar Pitchaimuthu
- Research Centre for Carbon Solutions, Institute of Mechanical, Processing, and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
| | - SungChul Yi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
- Department of Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Sengeni Anantharaj
- Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan
- Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan
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26
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Gao Q, Tsai W, Balke N. In situ and operando force‐based atomic force microscopy for probing local functionality in energy storage materials. ELECTROCHEMICAL SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/elsa.202100038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Gao
- Department of Chemistry University of Wisconsin‐Madison Madison Wisconsin USA
| | - Wan‐Yu Tsai
- Chemical Science Division Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge Tennessee USA
| | - Nina Balke
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge Tennessee USA
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Baskin A, Lawson JW, Prendergast D. Anion-Assisted Delivery of Multivalent Cations to Inert Electrodes. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:4347-4356. [PMID: 33929859 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c00943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
To understand and control key electrochemical processes-metal plating, corrosion, intercalation, etc.-requires molecular-scale details of the active species at electrochemical interfaces and their mechanisms for desolvation from the electrolyte. Using free energy sampling techniques we reveal the interfacial speciation of divalent cations in ether-based electrolytes and mechanisms for their delivery to an inert graphene electrode interface. Surprisingly, we find that anion solvophobicity drives a high population of anion-containing species to the interface that facilitate the delivery of divalent cations, even to negatively charged electrodes. Our simulations indicate that cation desolvation is greatly facilitated by cation-anion coupling. We propose anion solvophobicity as a molecular-level descriptor for rational design of electrolytes with increased efficiency for electrochemical processes limited by multivalent cation desolvation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Baskin
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California 94035, United States
| | - John W Lawson
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California 94035, United States
| | - David Prendergast
- Joint Center for Energy Storage Research, Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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28
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Zhao F, Zhou S, Zhang Y. Ultrasensitive Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide Using Bi 2Te 3 Electrochemical Sensors. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:4761-4767. [PMID: 33440937 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c19911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemical sensors, with high accuracy, good selectivity, and linear response, have been widely used for environmental protection, health monitoring, and disease treatment. However, to date, these sensors still have limit sensitivity or otherwise require the use of high-cost materials such as noble metals and enzymes. Here, we report a novel electrochemical sensor using a topological insulator, Bi2Te3. Through liquid-phase exfoliation, we prepared nano- and microflakes of Bi2Te3 and measured their performance in hydrogen peroxide sensing via electrocatalytic reduction processes. Our devices exhibit a sensitivity of ∼4900 μA mM-1 cm-2 and a detection limit of ∼10-8 molar, both of which are superior to typical noble metal-based electrochemical sensors. Through electrochemical analysis and microkinetic simulations, we extracted the kinetic parameters and gained insights into the reaction mechanism. We attribute the ultrahigh sensitivity to the facile electron transfer at the Bi2Te3-aqueous solution interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fujia Zhao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Shan Zhou
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Yingjie Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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